Southernmost Point and the streets of Key WestAge: All agesCost: Free admissionDescription: You just have to get a snapshot in front of this monument. If you don't, it is like your trip to Key West doesn't count or something. The wait is never long, and most people politely line up and offer to take your photo. While walking to the monument, keep your eyes open for chickens and funky architecture.

Florida Keys Wild Bird Center, Key Largo Age: All agesCost: Free admission, donations accepted.Description: I've heard the best time to visit is during the wild bird feedings. Unfortunately, we didn't follow that advice, but we did get to see plenty of Florida birds recovering from various injuries. One word of warning  this place can really stink. The highlight of the center for my kids were the owls.Information:www.fkwbc.org

Snorkeling at John Pennekamp State Park, Key LargoAge: 10 and upCost: Regular park admission, plus $29.95 adults, $24.95 children for snorkeling.Description: Going out in the choppy water was frightening for my six year old. I would not recommend the trip for anyone under 10 or any age prone to seasickness or who is generally a ninny . But if you can get your kids into the water, the coral and sea life is amazing.Information: pennekamppark.com

Tarpon Feeding at Robbie's, Islamorada Age: All agesCost: $1 to watch, $3 to feed Description: This was big fun for the whole family. The six year old who was too squeamish to get hit with a wave didn't mind sticking her hand over giant fish. Go figure. But the real show is the pesky pelicans who try to steal the fish.Information:robbies.com

Old Seven Mile Bridge, MarathonAge: All agesCost: FreeDescription: Just walking on the bridge was an adventure for the girls. They loved looking over the edge and giving me a heartattack. Plus you can't miss the photo op. If you have older children who can make the 2 mile walk, you can walk over to Pigeon Key, a small island at the end of the bridge.

Turtle Hospital, Marathon Age: All agesCost: $15 adults, $7.50 childrenDescription: You must make reservations in advance for one of the daily tours to see the hospital. Be prepared to listen to a lengthly educational lecture on turtles. If you have little ones, they may get antsy during the presentation. But it is worth the wait to see the residents. In addition to hearing each turtle's story, kids get to feed the turtles.Information:turtlehospital.org

Age: All agesCost: Regular park admission. A car with four people cost us $7.Description: After years of hearing rave reviews, we finally gave this park a try. And it lived up to the hype. The kids snorkeled in the shallow beach where we still saw plenty of fish and a stingray. The best part is that if you get a bit grubby there are showers.Information:floridastateparks.org/bahiahonda

Key West Lighthouse Museum, Key WestAge: All agesCost: $10 adults, $5 childrenDescription: Our family also climbs every lighthouse we run across. Nothing beats the view. The Keeper's Quarters Museum had audio booths that included a section on growing up in a lighthouse. Information:kwahs.com/lighthouse.htm

Eco-Discovery Center, Key WestAge: All agesCost: FreeDescription: The eco-discovery center is definitely off the beaten path, so be sure to take advantage of parking at the center itself. The center has a living reef, which shows many of the fish we saw snorkeling. The center has touch screens which provide information on the various parts of Keys' ecology. Information:floridakeys.noaa.gov/ eco_discovery.html

Pirate Soul Museum, Key WestAge: 10 and upCost: $13.95 adults, $7.95 childrenDescription: The Pirate Soul museum would be on my must-see list for adults, but there is not a lot of interactivity for kids. The highlights for my children were an interactive game where the "treasure" is a map of the museum, and an sound booth that mimicks being in the hold of a pirate ship.Information:piratesoul.com

Sunset at Mallory Square, Key WestAge: All ages, viewer discretion advisedCost: Free, donations acceptedDescription: The sunset celebration is a must-see in Key West, but if you have younger children some of the shows can have some adult references, so I would recommend hitting checking the website in advance and planning the shows you want to catch.the family oriented shows. My daughter described it as "Ripley's in Real Life" after seeing a woman swallow a balloon and walk on glass. The must see for all kids is the catman.Information:sunsetcelebration.org , catmankeywest.com